“Mabool� is a story of the Three Sons of Seven (an allude to one of the band’s favorite albums of all time, Iron Maiden’s “Seventh Son of a Seventh Son.�) These three sons of each monotheistic faith are assigned an animal totem symbolic of each of their special traits. They prophesize the destruction of the world by a flood. Of course, no one listens to them.

Hence, the story progresses accordingly, fittingly, a flood of multilayered sound comprising elements of all types of metal (most often black and power), progressive rock, Mizrachi (Middle Eastern ethnic) music, orchestral, fusion and jazz. They also have that Type O Negative soundscape thing going, using sound effects as accoutrements to intensify the drama of their songs.

Vocalist Kobi Farhi projects true emotion and his traditional Jewish influences when he’s singing, and when he’s screeching or growling, the black metal influence prevalent in Israel is obviously reflected.

Guitarist Yossi Saharon weaves his spell throughout each differing track with guitar heavily influenced by Middle Eastern and classical styles, sometimes undiluted and sometimes through the beloved distortion of quintessential metal solos. Snobs regarding technical precision will be duly impressed by the ability displayed on all fronts even if Orphaned Land’s unequivocally unique style is not to their taste.

Excuse the drama, but there are some songs on this album that are truly majestic, especially “The Calm Before The Storm” instrumental and “The Storm Still Rages”. Although that track exhibits some uber-progressive tendencies in the middlish beginning, it’s powerfully heartrending metal at its finest afterwards.

The acoustic set provided in the limited release special edition 2 CD set was recorded live in Israel. Orphaned Land provides an entertaining cover of “Mercy� by Paradise Lost (with whom they’ve just wrapped up a European tour) as well as some simply beautiful acoustic renditions of material from their previous albums “Sahara� and “El Norra Alila.�

There’s really no way to categorize the versatility of this band. Saharon describes it as “universal metal�. Check it out at their official website.